Research and Evaluation Unit
Funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD)

The Research and Evaluation Unit contract for the 2005-2007 biennium includes the following activities:

1. Provide consultation to SPD personnel concerning design and implementation of SPD’s quality assurance system for DHS-funded community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.

2. Provide, at DHS request, technical assistance to SPD personnel supporting data review and analysis activities of quality assurance committees sponsored by DHS, which provide advice to SPD administration regarding quality of home and community-based services to seniors, adults with physical disabilities, and individuals with developmental disabilities.

3. Attend meetings convened by SPD of Community Developmental Disability Program (CDDP) Quality Assurance Coordinators and provide technical assistance to the QA Coordinators in the context of those meetings. Content of technical assistance will be jointly developed by the SPD Quality Assurance Coordinator and the Research and Evaluation Unit.

4. Assist Developmental Disability Services Program managers and Quality Assurance Coordinators in at least one rural county, as determined by mutual agreement between DHS and R & E Unit, to develop and improve quality assurance systems for DHS-funded developmental disability services.

5. Assist Community Developmental Disability Program Managers and Quality Assurance Coordinators in at least six sites, as determined by mutual agreement between DHS and R & E Unit, to implement and improve quality assurance efforts based on the Quality Assurance Coordinator Resource Manual (a product developed as part of the 2003-2005 R & E Unit contract with DHS).

6. Work with DHS and CDDP QA Coordinators to update the Quality Assurance Coordinator Resource Manual and the QA Committee Critical Questions Workbook (both products developed as part of the 2003-2005 R & E Unit contract with DHS) as needed to maintain consistency with DHS policy and procedures.

7. Schedule and conduct at least four regional training events regarding the Serious Event Review Team (SERT) or other quality assurance processes and procedures, with sites and topics determined in consultation with DHS.